Bathroom Lighting: Replacing, Selecting & Installing

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One place where lighting definitely matters is the bathroom. It’s where you typically get ready for work, school or a night out. Bad lighting can fool you into thinking your bathroom is clean, that you don’t have lipstick on your teeth or that the hair in your sink doesn’t exist.

If you’re unsure of your current bathroom lighting or know you’re not happy with it, you’ve come to the right place. This is your guide for knowing when to replace your bathroom lighting, how to select the proper lighting and the work and cost involved in installing new lighting.

Replacing

Many people don’t think about investing in adequate bathroom lighting and are more concerned about lighting up other rooms such as the living room, kitchen and dining room. Oftentimes homeowners assume one main fixture in the middle of the bathroom ceiling is enough. Let's say you decide what you have installed isn’t enough and you want to replace or add lighting, but you're not sure where to begin.

Start by evaluating what you currently have in your bathroom by taking a look at how old it is, the style, the brightness and the bulb type. Experts recommend adding a series of lighting layers. For example, is there ample light where you shave, put on makeup and shower? It’s also important to add lighting to adjust for overall mood, and give yourself various lighting options depending on what you’re doing at the time. More and more people are designing bathroom sanctuaries that are used for rejuvenating and relaxing. The bathroom is also a place where you’re in and out all day, so you need to account for different lighting depending on the time of day.

Selecting

Think about the style of your home and bathroom so you can narrow down a few looks that’ll compliment your interior design. Updating your lighting is a great way to upgrade your bathroom without having to spend a lot of time and money remodeling the entire room. First, get an idea of what type of lighting is out there. Let’s review a few types so you have a better idea.

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Recessed lighting, or downlight, is a light fixture that’s installed into a hollow opening in the ceiling. You should also think about installing lighting around the mirror and vanity. This way, you can actually see what you’re doing during your bathroom routine. Wall sconces are fixtures that are attached to the wall and shine upwards. The best part about these is that they not only add brightness to your bathroom, but they’re a decorative addition as well. I personally love the idea of replacing old switch plates with something stylish and eye-catching, and adding dimmer switches so you can quickly and easily adjust the mood of the room. These little touches will spruce up the look of your bathroom and help solve illumination problems. Some things you should keep in mind as you shop are: number of lights, finish, style, brand, bulb type and price.

Installing

You decide you’re ready to replace your lighting and have some great ideas you want to implement. The first question you probably have is, how much is this new lighting going to cost? Our light fixture installation cost estimator is an excellent resource to get an idea of what this project is going to cost you. Replacing fixtures, vanities and increasing wattage are tasks that may be suitable for a passionate DIYer, but if you’re dealing with new outlets and specialty lighting, then it’s probably best to hire professional help.

If you love the light in your bathroom but it needs repairing, then check out our light fixture repair cost guide. Depending on if it’s a wiring issue, a damaged fixture or broken bulbs, there are trained pros out there who can work quickly and get the job done right, so you can save time and get back to enjoying your bathroom.

Examples

Recessed lighting, or downlight, is a light fixture that’s installed into a hollow opening in the ceiling.

A light fixture is used to create artificial light by use of an electric lamp and typically has a switch to control the light.

A wall sconce is a type of light fixture affixed to a wall in such a way that it uses only the wall for support, and the light is usually directed upwards, but not always. They come in many different styles.

Style, brand and price should also be considered. A few styles that are out there include: modern, transitional, traditional, rustic, vintage, crystal, art deco and many more.

Conclusion

You should now have a good idea of whether or not your bathroom lighting is in need of an upgrade. You should also feel more confident about the bathroom lighting selection process, suggested placement and cost. When you're ready, install the proper lighting so your bathroom can really shine!

Ready to make a change and install new lighting fixtures? Find a pro near you who can send you free quotes from pros in your area.